Fungal acne or tinea versicolor is the inflammation of the skin due to an overgrowth of yeasts commonly present in the body. While conventional acne is mostly influenced by hormonal changes or bacterial infections, fungal acne is caused by Malassezia, which is favourable in conditions that are oily and warm. This is an irritating condition to treat because it normally needs certain antifungal medicines. In the recent past, some people have resorted to using common commodities such as head and shoulder shampoo. Thus, can growing dandruff shampoo really control fungal acne? Let’s explore the details.
Understanding Fungal Acne
As its name suggests, fungal acne appears as small red, itchy pimples that may appear anywhere on the skin but most often in the back, chest and shoulder area. These bumps can, at times, be easily confused with bacterial acne, especially given their appearance as well as their distribution. However, fungal acne does not usually work for treatments of acne; that is because such treatments are intended to treat bacteria, not fungi.
The Use of Head and Shoulders Shampoo
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Head & Shoulders is a very popular brand that is advertised to help remove dandruff from hair. Its active ingredient is pyrithione zinc, an antifungal agent that works on the yeast, which causes the formation of dandruff. Pyrithione zinc contributes to the elimination of the Malassexia fungus on the hair and scalp; it deals with the problem of flakiness and itchy scalp.
As fungal acne hails from the same type of yeast, some enthusiasts have even gone to an extent of using a shampoo that contains pyrithione zinc for managing or treating fungal acne. This idea derived from the fact that pyrithione zinc has antifungal benefits and using it on the skin may have similar impact as it has on the scalp.
Chlorine Propylene Shampoo(Test product Head & Shoulders Shampoo for fungal acne)
If you’re considering using Head & Shoulders shampoo for fungal acne, here’s a step-by-step guide to its application: If you’re considering using Head & Shoulders shampoo for fungal acne, here’s a step-by-step guide to its application:
- Cleanse the Affected Area: First, you have to start by cleaning the affected skin area with soap and water to eliminate any sebum and bacteria.
- Apply the Shampoo: Lather up a small amount of Head & Shoulders shampoo over the areas of the skin which are affected. Do not rub the skin hard because this makes it worse or_charm.
- Leave it On: Let the shampoo stay on the skin for about 5-10 minutes depending on the severity of the skin condition that you want to treat. This makes a lot of sense to the antifungal agent to be effective in its action against the fungus that affects the hair.
- Rinse Thoroughly: After the shampooing of the area, make sure that whether all the shampoo is washed away using lukewarm water.
- Moisturize: This should be followed by a non comedogenic moisturizer so as to moisturize the skin and hence prevent it from cracking. Diseased skin especially dry skin is an excellent breeding ground for fungal acne.
Effectiveness and Considerations
Some persons have testified to the effects of using Head & Shoulders shampoo for fungal acne but it varies depending on the person. Pyrithione zinc is one of the antifungal agents which can be used but the efficacy of the antifungal depends on the extent of the fungal infection and skin reactions.
- Pros:Accessibility: Another advantage of using Head & Shoulders for treating dandruff is that it is not hard to come by, and anyone who wants to use it will not be hard pressed to do so since it is relatively cheap in most supermarkets and grocery stores.
Dual Purpose: There is evidence that it can work as an anti-dandruff agent and have an action against fungi on the skin.
Cons: - Not Specifically Formulated for Skin: That is why pyrithione zinc can be used, but Head & Shoulders shampoo is created for the hair and not for the face area, as it may be delicate.
Potential Irritation: It may be posed some injury especially for the sensitive skin if the usage is so often.
When you do the above and feel that you cannot handle it anymore or you need professional help, when to seek professional help.
In case fungal acne prolongs after using Head & Shoulders shampoo or severe skin reaction occurs it is advisable to seek advice from a dermatologist. They can give systemic treatments for skin which may be more effective as compared to OTC medicines as they can prescribe topical or oral antifungal drugs.
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